Got up, had breakfast, well B had breakfast, I wasn't too interested in what they had to be honest, and then we headed out around 9am. Three hour drive home was uneventful. Little traffic but nothing major. Got home, unpacked, and B had cuddle time with the kitties. They weren't too interested to say the least. Oh, you're home, okay.
She ended up taking a nap, I put things away. A new video game came yesterday, Lego Star Wars TFA. Yes, I played it. It's fun as all the Lego games are. Nothing to note there. We had cheap Mexican for dinner which was good.
Relaxed, watched a little TV and we BOTH went to bed around 10. Teach today and tomorrow. Need to figure out the food situation. I managed to eat through just about everything in the house. Some point we have to get some groceries up in here.
Not much else going on. Back to the regular grind if you will. Only teach today and tomorrow though then I get a 3 day weekend. Two days next week, then it's my birthday. We're off to Astoria for my birthday which should be fun.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Y8 D34
What a long ass day yesterday. I got up, made sure everything was good in the house - extra food and water for the cats, turned on AC units, etc - then headed to the airport around 9. It never takes as long as you think it's going to take, does it? I got there at 9:50 only to find her flight had been delayed for 40 minutes. Argh. I sat until 11:30, then we had to get her bags THEN to make matters worse, I lost the parking ticket and had to pay $27 to leave the garage. Motherfucker.
At this point we were still on schedule. We drove the 3 hours to Seattle, checked into the hotel around 3 and then walked to the bookstore. I didn't see a massive line outside and thought things were good. Yeah right. They were doing the signing in colored chunks. You got a piece of paper and waited for your color to be called. It was supposed to be about 45 minutes per color. The colors were yellow, light blue, red, purple, pink, white, dark blue, and green. We got there at 3:50 (10 minutes before start) and they were already into yellow. Okay cool. We got purple and they were lining up light blue. Around 45 minutes they said we would line up for purple. Not bad. B although exhausted was doing okay. Yeah. 3 hours and 20 minutes later they call purple. Another hour after that we finally met Chuck Palahniuk. While we were exhausted he was also tired and still had 150+ people after us. Poor guy. He was very polite and kind and spent time with everyone. Bless him.
After finally getting out of there after 8, we headed back to the hotel stopping for vietnamese food in a little hole in the wall we found. THAT was pretty good. Got back to the hotel at 9 and B crashed. She had been up since 3am our time and was done. I went to bed shortly thereafter.
Today we head home around 9 and nothing planned for the rest of the day.
At this point we were still on schedule. We drove the 3 hours to Seattle, checked into the hotel around 3 and then walked to the bookstore. I didn't see a massive line outside and thought things were good. Yeah right. They were doing the signing in colored chunks. You got a piece of paper and waited for your color to be called. It was supposed to be about 45 minutes per color. The colors were yellow, light blue, red, purple, pink, white, dark blue, and green. We got there at 3:50 (10 minutes before start) and they were already into yellow. Okay cool. We got purple and they were lining up light blue. Around 45 minutes they said we would line up for purple. Not bad. B although exhausted was doing okay. Yeah. 3 hours and 20 minutes later they call purple. Another hour after that we finally met Chuck Palahniuk. While we were exhausted he was also tired and still had 150+ people after us. Poor guy. He was very polite and kind and spent time with everyone. Bless him.
After finally getting out of there after 8, we headed back to the hotel stopping for vietnamese food in a little hole in the wall we found. THAT was pretty good. Got back to the hotel at 9 and B crashed. She had been up since 3am our time and was done. I went to bed shortly thereafter.
Today we head home around 9 and nothing planned for the rest of the day.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Y8 D33
B comes home today! As of right now she just landed at DFW and has 1 hr and 10 minutes until she leaves. In roughly 5 hours she will be landing at PDX. And then we get to see Chuck Palahniuk! Yes we are off to Seattle for a book signing!
Double checked everything around the house yesterday to make sure it was clean and ready for her return. Watched a little tv, had thai food for dinner, and tried to sleep. Had a rough time of it again. I can't sleep with that damn AC unit on but it was too hot to open the windows. Rough night.
I didn't do much of anything else yesterday. My UK class was cancelled due to them not getting anything done right now and that left the day open for me. Got gas. Packed as much as I could. Got B some flowers which will die but what the hell. Sweated a lot.
Not much else. Time to go to the airport in 3.5 hours.
Double checked everything around the house yesterday to make sure it was clean and ready for her return. Watched a little tv, had thai food for dinner, and tried to sleep. Had a rough time of it again. I can't sleep with that damn AC unit on but it was too hot to open the windows. Rough night.
I didn't do much of anything else yesterday. My UK class was cancelled due to them not getting anything done right now and that left the day open for me. Got gas. Packed as much as I could. Got B some flowers which will die but what the hell. Sweated a lot.
Not much else. Time to go to the airport in 3.5 hours.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Y8 D32
The amount of love and good comments, photos, etc I saw posted yesterday for my friend who passed was incredible. So many lives touched. It reminded me of when the kid's aunt passed in 2008. It was one of those moments where everyone is just stunned and shocked because how could this person be gone? They're too good to be gone. It was a rough day.
I did manage to get all of the laundry done, clean the house, and remount the AC unit in the office. The latter I don't like. It pretty much kills this window for any normal use. Right now it is hotter than fuck in here and I don't feel like having this noisy damn thing on, but I don't have a choice because I can't open the window all the way. 1st world problems. My AC unit is too noisy.
All of my stuff took me most of the morning. I then went to the store for some lunch, came back, watched some TV, played some games, had KFC for dinner, talked to B, and went to bed around 10:15.
Why am I up at 3am you ask? To check B in for her flight. As soon as that is done I am going to lay down on the couch. Today is my last day alone. Need to make the most of it?
I did manage to get all of the laundry done, clean the house, and remount the AC unit in the office. The latter I don't like. It pretty much kills this window for any normal use. Right now it is hotter than fuck in here and I don't feel like having this noisy damn thing on, but I don't have a choice because I can't open the window all the way. 1st world problems. My AC unit is too noisy.
All of my stuff took me most of the morning. I then went to the store for some lunch, came back, watched some TV, played some games, had KFC for dinner, talked to B, and went to bed around 10:15.
Why am I up at 3am you ask? To check B in for her flight. As soon as that is done I am going to lay down on the couch. Today is my last day alone. Need to make the most of it?
Sunday, June 26, 2016
Y8 D31
Last night around 11 I got a text and a phone call from my former directors. A friend and fellow cast mate died. He was 39 years old. What the fuck? The details as I know them this morning are: he passed out at work the other day due to heat exhaustion but chose not to go to the doctor. A couple of days later no one had heard from him and went to check on him. They found him dead in his apartment. Fuck. Fuck Fuck. 39. I was going through pictures right now trying to find an appropriate one to post and didn't realize I was crying looking through them all. Not just for the loss of my friend but for the loss of that family and camaraderie I had. A part of me is gone this morning in many ways.
I got nothing accomplished yesterday. Not true, but it felt like. I did put that AC unit in the bedroom instead of the office and that turned out to be a mistake. It needs to go in here. It's too small to work in there. That's my morning today. Moving and remounting it. Fun.
I made soup and sandwich for dinner. Nothing fancy. Played video games. Watched a little TV.
Man, I can't. Just not now. Have laundry to do today and house cleaning. Whatever.
I got nothing accomplished yesterday. Not true, but it felt like. I did put that AC unit in the bedroom instead of the office and that turned out to be a mistake. It needs to go in here. It's too small to work in there. That's my morning today. Moving and remounting it. Fun.
I made soup and sandwich for dinner. Nothing fancy. Played video games. Watched a little TV.
Man, I can't. Just not now. Have laundry to do today and house cleaning. Whatever.
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Y8 D30
Whoo boy did I sleep! I woke up at 5 and said meh. Didn't think I'd fall back to sleep for two hours but who cares! It's a Saturday, I am all alone, and I have nothing to do. Screw it. Sleep is good. I did a lot yesterday and earned my sleep.
My day started off with me working on that class for Westfield. Got it finished around 10. Of course there turned out to be no rush because nothing in the UK was happening yesterday. They had their hands full with dealing with the aftermath of their exit voting. I got into a discussion about it with a friend. He was mocking all the people who know nothing of the EU or the UK and how they were all overreacting about it. His comment was along the lines of 'relax, Europe isn't descending into chaos people'. My response was:
While chaos may be a strong word, England in particular *will* suffer from this decision. The pound has already experienced (as of earlier today) a 70% drop against the dollar as well as the Euro taking a huge hit in the markets. London's standing as a major financial player is in flux as a result.
I know from my perspective, it is impacting our business, because as the pound continues to deflate, our international customers will be harder pressed to use us. Prior to this we had a strong set of UK customers because of the pound being in their favor. We have already had a couple call us saying that there may be changes in future contracts.
So no, not chaos, but the long term economic and labor issues will be seen across all of the UK. There is also a strong chance that Scotland will vote again on leaving the UK in order to join the EU as a sovereign nation. That will further destabilize England and could lead to Ireland voting to leave.
It will be interesting to see how the next decade changes England, the UK and Europe in general.
That led to more discussion about how everything will be fine in six months and everyone is being stupid to which I replied:
I disagree that things will be the same in six months. The long term drop and faith of the greater world with respect to the pound will have much longer effects. I do agree you can't base things on a day to day, but this will take much longer than a quarter or six months to right itself. Like(Mutual Friend), I am hearing from people I know personally who do business in or with the UK and thanks to the exchange rate it's causing an issue. People who are now in the short term going to be unable to pay bills or housing because monies they had calculated has changed. Companies that had bookings and future plans based on revenue dollars are going to be hit.
(Mutual Friend) is also right that the majority of people in the western world will see no difference. If you don't travel or do business within the UK, then it's not going to impact your life. For those of us who do however, it is a big deal.
As part of the EU it was easy to work between different countries and come and go without major hassle. Now that is going to (in the long term) probably have an impact. ESPECIALLY if Ireland and Scotland choose to vote themselves out of the UK and back into the EU.
As part of xenophobia and the protection of assets by an elite upper class, the nationalists have swayed many of the fearful faithful into making a decision they won't have to live with as long as those who voted against leaving. Look at the poll numbers - 75% of people under 30 voted to Remain while older people out of fear and who knows what else voted to Leave. They will be long dead before the dust settles on those who remain.
My day started off with me working on that class for Westfield. Got it finished around 10. Of course there turned out to be no rush because nothing in the UK was happening yesterday. They had their hands full with dealing with the aftermath of their exit voting. I got into a discussion about it with a friend. He was mocking all the people who know nothing of the EU or the UK and how they were all overreacting about it. His comment was along the lines of 'relax, Europe isn't descending into chaos people'. My response was:
While chaos may be a strong word, England in particular *will* suffer from this decision. The pound has already experienced (as of earlier today) a 70% drop against the dollar as well as the Euro taking a huge hit in the markets. London's standing as a major financial player is in flux as a result.
I know from my perspective, it is impacting our business, because as the pound continues to deflate, our international customers will be harder pressed to use us. Prior to this we had a strong set of UK customers because of the pound being in their favor. We have already had a couple call us saying that there may be changes in future contracts.
So no, not chaos, but the long term economic and labor issues will be seen across all of the UK. There is also a strong chance that Scotland will vote again on leaving the UK in order to join the EU as a sovereign nation. That will further destabilize England and could lead to Ireland voting to leave.
It will be interesting to see how the next decade changes England, the UK and Europe in general.
That led to more discussion about how everything will be fine in six months and everyone is being stupid to which I replied:
I disagree that things will be the same in six months. The long term drop and faith of the greater world with respect to the pound will have much longer effects. I do agree you can't base things on a day to day, but this will take much longer than a quarter or six months to right itself. Like
As part of the EU it was easy to work between different countries and come and go without major hassle. Now that is going to (in the long term) probably have an impact. ESPECIALLY if Ireland and Scotland choose to vote themselves out of the UK and back into the EU.
As part of xenophobia and the protection of assets by an elite upper class, the nationalists have swayed many of the fearful faithful into making a decision they won't have to live with as long as those who voted against leaving. Look at the poll numbers - 75% of people under 30 voted to Remain while older people out of fear and who knows what else voted to Leave. They will be long dead before the dust settles on those who remain.
So the last I read was the pound is seriously down, Cameron is resigning, and many people under the age of 50 are very very unhappy. I am glad I am not traveling over there any time soon.
In addition to all that, I rented a carpet cleaner and got the carpets done. That was my big goal for the day and I achieved it. Around 3 I undertook a second project - rearranging the kitchen. I boxed up a bunch of stuff we don't use, put some stuff together for B's cousin who is moving here in August, made extra room, and all in all reorganized the kitchen cabinets and pantry to make it useful. That took me quite a while. I didn't finish until after 6.
For dinner I made a nice NY steak with pasta salad. Watched a little tv, then played some video games. I am currently playing one of the old games I got - Icewind Dale II. These are games I bought when they came out (IWD, Baldur's Gate, NWN) but never finished. Now, I am finishing them! I finished Planescape already and am into Chapter 2 on IWD. I would like to see if I can finish it before B comes home. See my big plans for today?
It's supposed to start getting hotter here the next couple of days. I may need to bring that AC unit up from the garage that I got last weekend. I haven't done anything with it because I don't think it's going to work in this window, but if it gets hot enough, I will make it work.
That's about it. Long ass post today even without the EU commentary.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Y8 D29
I slept in! Whee! It throws off my plans a little bit for this morning but that's okay because work was throwing them off already. As long as I can finish my work stuff by noon I should be back on track. We shall see how it goes. Otherwise I will just cross something off my list as not done. No biggie.
Went to the doctor in the morning. Found out I am suffering from the side effects of my meds and I should lay off them for a while to see if things improve. We did a bunch of blood work and I am awaiting the results. Checking for some things. There shouldn't be any issues, but who knows.
Got back and worked on part of the stuff I needed to get done for the UK folks. Once again I hit a roadblock because things weren't done. Spent two hours going back and forth with the developers trying to figure out what to do. I was hoping to have been done by now but when you have to rely on other people, things change whether you want them to or not.
Taught my last night of night classes. I am glad that's over. That was really screwing with me. I am so used to being done at 3 in the afternoon that having to work in the night was weird. We made money and it covered my costs but weird.
It poured most of the day here which was nice. The rain has gone away for now, but it was a nice relief that's for sure. All the windows open and the sound of the rain coming in. Speaking of sound - the assholes across the street, you know the ones with the leaf blowers at 10pm, have apparently decided they need a garage band. Around 2 yesterday they 'played'. And boy do I use that term loosely. Mostly it was noise. Lots of noise.
I need some silence for a while. Maybe my birthday trip will give me silence. Please I hope so.
Went to the doctor in the morning. Found out I am suffering from the side effects of my meds and I should lay off them for a while to see if things improve. We did a bunch of blood work and I am awaiting the results. Checking for some things. There shouldn't be any issues, but who knows.
Got back and worked on part of the stuff I needed to get done for the UK folks. Once again I hit a roadblock because things weren't done. Spent two hours going back and forth with the developers trying to figure out what to do. I was hoping to have been done by now but when you have to rely on other people, things change whether you want them to or not.
Taught my last night of night classes. I am glad that's over. That was really screwing with me. I am so used to being done at 3 in the afternoon that having to work in the night was weird. We made money and it covered my costs but weird.
It poured most of the day here which was nice. The rain has gone away for now, but it was a nice relief that's for sure. All the windows open and the sound of the rain coming in. Speaking of sound - the assholes across the street, you know the ones with the leaf blowers at 10pm, have apparently decided they need a garage band. Around 2 yesterday they 'played'. And boy do I use that term loosely. Mostly it was noise. Lots of noise.
I need some silence for a while. Maybe my birthday trip will give me silence. Please I hope so.
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Y8 D28
Yesterday turned out to be a very long and rough day. Especially the morning part. I went to start my class with the UK only to find that all of the files I needed and had used for the original class were gone. The development team didn't realize there was still more training and they wiped everything out. I had to ad-lib for 3 hours with a group of people who were already wanting to go home given the time difference. It was a rough spot. I finished up around 9am and the end consensus was that I now need to update my class to use the new data files and redo the session on Monday. Lovely. I have today and tomorrow to do all this. Okay sure.
After dealing with all that I did my second session but not until after I went to Best Buy. I got approval to build a dedicated training station. I added a second mac mini to the house. I now have a workstation with the bare minimum applications on it for work. It will now sit and do nothing but be for work related things. This frees up the laptop for travel only and no more having to plug or unplug things all the time. It also means when users log in for a public class they won't see any personal stuff on there. Just a clean basic system. I spent a little while setting it up before getting on my next call.
The second session went very well. It was with my folks in Anaheim and I solved a huge issue that's been plaguing us for a while. The numbers finally tie out! This is what we have been working on for months. Took us about 3 hours but we got it done!
That gave me a small window to prep for my final session. I cooked enchiladas and left them wrapped up to eat later. That didn't work out well. I ended up eating part of it and leaving the plate on my desk. Guess who ate the rest while my head was turned? Stupid cat. I finished my last class at 8:40pm. From 4am - 8:40pm I worked yesterday. Damn.
I watched a little TV and went of to bed around 10:30. Rough sleep again. Woke up at 1:05am due to the sound of rain, people, and cats. Tossed and turned until alarm went off at 4, said fuck it, and fell back to sleep until 5:20.
Have a doctor's appointment this morning, then work on the above mentioned class, then the final night session. Another long day ahead of me.
After dealing with all that I did my second session but not until after I went to Best Buy. I got approval to build a dedicated training station. I added a second mac mini to the house. I now have a workstation with the bare minimum applications on it for work. It will now sit and do nothing but be for work related things. This frees up the laptop for travel only and no more having to plug or unplug things all the time. It also means when users log in for a public class they won't see any personal stuff on there. Just a clean basic system. I spent a little while setting it up before getting on my next call.
The second session went very well. It was with my folks in Anaheim and I solved a huge issue that's been plaguing us for a while. The numbers finally tie out! This is what we have been working on for months. Took us about 3 hours but we got it done!
That gave me a small window to prep for my final session. I cooked enchiladas and left them wrapped up to eat later. That didn't work out well. I ended up eating part of it and leaving the plate on my desk. Guess who ate the rest while my head was turned? Stupid cat. I finished my last class at 8:40pm. From 4am - 8:40pm I worked yesterday. Damn.
I watched a little TV and went of to bed around 10:30. Rough sleep again. Woke up at 1:05am due to the sound of rain, people, and cats. Tossed and turned until alarm went off at 4, said fuck it, and fell back to sleep until 5:20.
Have a doctor's appointment this morning, then work on the above mentioned class, then the final night session. Another long day ahead of me.
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Y8 D27
Ah summertime. The sounds of screaming children not going to bed, loud cars with loud radios driving at all hours, and the best of all, the drunks coming home from the bar. TWICE these fuckers woke me up last night. First at 12:19 right in the middle of a good dream. I was captured by some alien race and I was about to defeat their boss when "BLAH BLAH FUCKER BLAH FUCK THIS BLAH" comes wafting up through the window. Assholes. Then again at 1:30 the sweet sounds of drunks falling into the street being idiots. Argh. I did have a second interesting dream - Kevin Spacey was trying to get Brad Pitt to read a script and Pitt was being a dick about it. Don't ask what that one means.
Things that happened yesterday... well the big one is B's friend in Australia GOT HER PACKAGE! FINALLY! It arrived all in one piece. She is super happy with everything. That was awesome news. She sent pictures and videos and was really happy. Feel better now that the issues are all resolved. And my sister can stop getting messages from me bugging her about the status of the package.
I taught my first 'night' class yesterday. From 4-8. Two more of those this week. One guy which makes it easy. I also went to the store and got some groceries, cat food, and other odds and ends. I tried taking the recycling but it was too crowded with homeless people. I will try again tomorrow morning. This morning I have a 6-9:30 with the UK folks, then a 1-2 with the Anaheim folks, then day 2 of night class. It's a busy day today.
Things that happened yesterday... well the big one is B's friend in Australia GOT HER PACKAGE! FINALLY! It arrived all in one piece. She is super happy with everything. That was awesome news. She sent pictures and videos and was really happy. Feel better now that the issues are all resolved. And my sister can stop getting messages from me bugging her about the status of the package.
I taught my first 'night' class yesterday. From 4-8. Two more of those this week. One guy which makes it easy. I also went to the store and got some groceries, cat food, and other odds and ends. I tried taking the recycling but it was too crowded with homeless people. I will try again tomorrow morning. This morning I have a 6-9:30 with the UK folks, then a 1-2 with the Anaheim folks, then day 2 of night class. It's a busy day today.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Y8 D26
B has been gone for a week and still has one more week to go. She is off to her grandparent's cabin for a couple of days. Must be nice. On both counts. To be able to go and spend time in a cabin and to be the ones who have a cabin. I will sit here in our hot apartment trying not to spend any money for a week. Don't worry about me.
Got one thing taken care of yesterday at least. I went to the DMV and got my motorcycle registered. It is now legal in OR for the next two years. I was very impressed in the fact that it started right up and had no issues. Took me a while at the DMV though. Got there about 8:15, left at 9:40. But it's done. $145 for two years. Came back, had tamales for lunch, watched a little TV, and finished one of my GOG games. I mean like finish, finish. I got through the whole thing. I don't think I did that when it was new.
Made lamb shank over rice for dinner. Did a little work in prep for the rest of this week. Watched one of two episodes of Penny Dreadful. Went to bed around 10.
Tonight I teach then tomorrow is my busy day. Three clients spread out throughout the day. It's going to be interesting. I have also decided I am going to Chizu on Friday night. I have been wanting cheese and dammit I will have cheese. Friday will also see carpet cleaning. Then the glorious weekend of house cleaning and not much else. One week until I get to see Chuck Palahniuk in person. I am excited about that for sure.
Got one thing taken care of yesterday at least. I went to the DMV and got my motorcycle registered. It is now legal in OR for the next two years. I was very impressed in the fact that it started right up and had no issues. Took me a while at the DMV though. Got there about 8:15, left at 9:40. But it's done. $145 for two years. Came back, had tamales for lunch, watched a little TV, and finished one of my GOG games. I mean like finish, finish. I got through the whole thing. I don't think I did that when it was new.
Made lamb shank over rice for dinner. Did a little work in prep for the rest of this week. Watched one of two episodes of Penny Dreadful. Went to bed around 10.
Tonight I teach then tomorrow is my busy day. Three clients spread out throughout the day. It's going to be interesting. I have also decided I am going to Chizu on Friday night. I have been wanting cheese and dammit I will have cheese. Friday will also see carpet cleaning. Then the glorious weekend of house cleaning and not much else. One week until I get to see Chuck Palahniuk in person. I am excited about that for sure.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Y8 D25
Happy Summer Solstice. Aka the longest day of the year. It's also going to be hot today. Up to 80s where I am. Yuck. I have a very odd week. I am teaching 3 night classes Tuesday - Thursday, a UK class Wednesday early morning, and a mentoring session in between. It's going to be weird. Today I am going to try and go to the DMV. I have everything I need printed out and will be filling it all in shortly. The catch is if the bike starts. If not, I am chasing around for a battery first then going to DMV. Fun stuff.
Drove home yesterday. Saw my sister on the way. She's doing okay. All settled into her new place. I am happy for her on that. She owns her own place and no one can take it away from her. It's not for me, but if she is happy than that's what counts. She brought me back a platypus magnet from Australia. Cute.
Got home around 11 and unpacked. Did some around the house stuff, took a nap, played video games. Made ham and a salad for dinner. Watched some tv, went to bed. Nothing too exciting here. That's going to be the theme of this week. Stay in, hide, nothing exciting.
Drove home yesterday. Saw my sister on the way. She's doing okay. All settled into her new place. I am happy for her on that. She owns her own place and no one can take it away from her. It's not for me, but if she is happy than that's what counts. She brought me back a platypus magnet from Australia. Cute.
Got home around 11 and unpacked. Did some around the house stuff, took a nap, played video games. Made ham and a salad for dinner. Watched some tv, went to bed. Nothing too exciting here. That's going to be the theme of this week. Stay in, hide, nothing exciting.
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Y8 D24
Happy Father's Day. I know many of my readers, like myself, have a mixed opinion, if not downright apathy, about today, therefore we will leave it to that.
Had an interesting day yesterday. Got out of the house which was good. Because it's the weekend I knew if I didn't have something planned I would sit around doing nothing essentially. I tried to leave late, I honestly did. I got on the road around 8am, arrived up here at 11. Had a decent lunch at Duke's seafood, then wandered around the mall for a while. I got to the hotel about 1:30. Luckily my room was ready. I took a nap and relaxed.
At a little after 5 my friends came and picked me up. The whole point of this trip was to get an AC unit from them. I got it. I don't know how well it's going to work, but I got it. I may end up using it in the bedroom instead of the office. We shall see. If I don't need it, I will pay it forward by giving it to B's cousin when she moves to Portland in August.
We had a nice dinner at a sushi place they like. Finished up and they dropped me off at the hotel around 7:30. I then proceeded to watch a couple episodes of Orphan Black, talk to B on the phone, and went to bed around 10.
Now this morning I am off to breakfast in five minutes, then I am going to come back up, putz around on the computer, then off to see my sister. Warning, I will be there earlier than you would like. I will still have a two hour drive and want to be home by noon at the latest. Sorry.
Had an interesting day yesterday. Got out of the house which was good. Because it's the weekend I knew if I didn't have something planned I would sit around doing nothing essentially. I tried to leave late, I honestly did. I got on the road around 8am, arrived up here at 11. Had a decent lunch at Duke's seafood, then wandered around the mall for a while. I got to the hotel about 1:30. Luckily my room was ready. I took a nap and relaxed.
At a little after 5 my friends came and picked me up. The whole point of this trip was to get an AC unit from them. I got it. I don't know how well it's going to work, but I got it. I may end up using it in the bedroom instead of the office. We shall see. If I don't need it, I will pay it forward by giving it to B's cousin when she moves to Portland in August.
We had a nice dinner at a sushi place they like. Finished up and they dropped me off at the hotel around 7:30. I then proceeded to watch a couple episodes of Orphan Black, talk to B on the phone, and went to bed around 10.
Now this morning I am off to breakfast in five minutes, then I am going to come back up, putz around on the computer, then off to see my sister. Warning, I will be there earlier than you would like. I will still have a two hour drive and want to be home by noon at the latest. Sorry.
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Y8 D23
Look at me, I slept in! I woke up at 4 and said fuck this. It's Saturday. Yes, I have to drive up to WA today but let's be realistic. It's a 3 hour drive and I can't check in to the hotel until 3. I also am not having dinner with friends until probably 6 or 6:30. If I left even in the next 45 minutes, I would get up there at 10am. Then what? Sit in the hotel parking lot for 5 hours? Find a mall? (That was the plan). But even so, I need to kill an hour not 5. So as long as I am out of here by 9 or 10, I am way fine. That even allows for traffic. Therefore, fuck it, I slept.
I had a good and bad day yesterday. The bad was my class. Goto Meeting was having technical difficulties in the morning. No one could connect to the meeting or if they got connected it dropped them. They lost audio. At one point I was so desperate I had the tablet connected to make sure I didn't lose the class. On Citrix's website they were blaming Comcast but two of my students were on corporate networks not home comcast connections. Finally around 1 they admitted it was something on their network not playing nice. But it made for a rough day.
Around 4 I headed downtown. I didn't plan on going down that early, but the trains were delayed due to a medical emergency and I caught an earlier train (which was running 20 minutes late). Oh well. On the train I saw the people I wrote about in my "observation" post yesterday. I finally downloaded the blogger app which makes it easier for me to do mobile posts. Not saying I will do more than once a day regularly, but if something like yesterday's observation happens, I can capture it quickly now.
I got down there and wandered around until about 6:15 and headed to the restaurant. My buddy and I had a great time. I had five courses in total - Oysters, black pudding and foie gras, asparagus and soft egg salad, rabbit prepared two ways, and finally butterscotch pudding. We ate, we talked, we were there for two hours. I am envious of him for one thing. Since him and his girlfriend moved closer to downtown, he is getting out more. Plays, the symphony, events, etc. Being out here in the burbs makes it tough where as he is down there in 5 minutes from his new place. We have been trying to get out, but our location prohibits it sometimes.
Got home around 9 and cleaned up, then went to bed my normal time. A good ending to a frustrating day.
I had a good and bad day yesterday. The bad was my class. Goto Meeting was having technical difficulties in the morning. No one could connect to the meeting or if they got connected it dropped them. They lost audio. At one point I was so desperate I had the tablet connected to make sure I didn't lose the class. On Citrix's website they were blaming Comcast but two of my students were on corporate networks not home comcast connections. Finally around 1 they admitted it was something on their network not playing nice. But it made for a rough day.
Around 4 I headed downtown. I didn't plan on going down that early, but the trains were delayed due to a medical emergency and I caught an earlier train (which was running 20 minutes late). Oh well. On the train I saw the people I wrote about in my "observation" post yesterday. I finally downloaded the blogger app which makes it easier for me to do mobile posts. Not saying I will do more than once a day regularly, but if something like yesterday's observation happens, I can capture it quickly now.
I got down there and wandered around until about 6:15 and headed to the restaurant. My buddy and I had a great time. I had five courses in total - Oysters, black pudding and foie gras, asparagus and soft egg salad, rabbit prepared two ways, and finally butterscotch pudding. We ate, we talked, we were there for two hours. I am envious of him for one thing. Since him and his girlfriend moved closer to downtown, he is getting out more. Plays, the symphony, events, etc. Being out here in the burbs makes it tough where as he is down there in 5 minutes from his new place. We have been trying to get out, but our location prohibits it sometimes.
Got home around 9 and cleaned up, then went to bed my normal time. A good ending to a frustrating day.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Y8 D22 - Observation
I took the train downtown just now to have dinner with a friend. On the train this couple got on. I wanted to beat them senseless. You could tell they worked for Nike. She had to be a project manager. Him, marketing or "business development" (whatever the fuck that is). They has a small child with them. All I could think was how fucking sterile and dead they were. His "storkbag" man bag diaper bag bullshit. Their Nike swoosh shirts and shoes (even the child who was about two). No makeup on her. She shops at free people and is involved in community issues. He had his skinny jeans and rubber watchband digital watch. Have they ever lived? Did they chase the dream of the house, the job, and the 2.5 children? Are they happy? Her eyes were dead and cold. They have sex once a week unless her "aunt Flo" is visiting (mandatory tee hee inserted here). Always missionary style. Just once he would like if she would stop worrying about leaving stains and just fucking relax. She wishes he would finally for once go down. But they say nothing to each other. They finish and then discuss whether to look at that new school for genderless named Alex. Their tattoo and piercing free pale skin whiter than usual under their eco friendly lightbulbs in their perfect house in just the same right neighborhood next to the whole foods where the grapes are always fair trade.
Once they got off the train, they were replaced by this guy by himself. He looked interesting. Not quite homeless looking but rough. He has lived. His eyes had life. The dirt under his nails told a story. He's been up and down. He knows the touch of a good woman and having to scrape tobacco out of butts to make a whole smoke. He knows. He will die having seen things. He was probably coming home from a 12 hour shift where he did real work that the Perfects would find beneath them. They would want to feed him and get him knew clothes. He says no because his clothes are his. They've been with him. He feels them. They have been washed maybe one too many times but they are comfortable and they fit his life.
I would rather be the second guy any day. I would rather be poor and a little beat up than dead inside. Some days I feel I am slipping towards the Perfects. I get afraid. I want some stability but I don't want to be not me. I want a roof over our heads. I want B to be secure but at what cost? What sacrifices must we make to fit into the United Corporate States of America? How much of my soul must I deposit? Is it FDIC insured?
Y8 D22
I am running behind today. Got up late, slept through a couple of alarms. Obviously did not sleep as well as the night before. Not sure why. Lots of tossing and turning unfortunately. Woke up a few times during the night. The cats were pissing me off and I had to lock them in the bedroom. I didn't fall asleep until 11 which has something to do with my current state I am sure. Whatever.
Did day one of class yesterday. Only 3 people and we finished around 2. Day two today and I expect us to finish early again. After class I went to FedEx and sent the kid a package. In it was her stuff from the HP store and the title to the Pontiac. As of Monday it will be her car. She will need to go to DMV next week and put it in her name, but it won't be my problem. In a month her cousin turns 16 and she will most likely giving it to him. This makes B happy because it stays in the 'family' this way.
Got back, relaxed for a while, then I worked on reorganizing my dresser. Threw out a bunch of old clothes, folded everything nicely, regrouped everything, etc. My drawers all close now. Small victories. Around 6 I made dinner. Chicken and mushroom crepes. Watched a little tv, played some video games, went to bed.
Tonight after class I am heading downtown. Having dinner with a friend. REALLY looking forward to this. Not only because I get out of the house for more than just the grocery store but also because I get to hang out with him. Contact with another human in person. Odd.
Tomorrow driving up to see a friend near Seattle then Sunday my sister. Who by the way has been really great about keeping on top of the package from Australia. She tracked it down yesterday! Turns out they had the wrong address. It's getting reshipped, hopefully expedited and with a tracking number this time. Cross your fingers.
Paid bills this morning and sent money to B. She is getting a new tattoo monday and today they are doing family pictures with a photographer. She needed to have some cash on hand for that.
Time to get ready and make up some lost time.
Did day one of class yesterday. Only 3 people and we finished around 2. Day two today and I expect us to finish early again. After class I went to FedEx and sent the kid a package. In it was her stuff from the HP store and the title to the Pontiac. As of Monday it will be her car. She will need to go to DMV next week and put it in her name, but it won't be my problem. In a month her cousin turns 16 and she will most likely giving it to him. This makes B happy because it stays in the 'family' this way.
Got back, relaxed for a while, then I worked on reorganizing my dresser. Threw out a bunch of old clothes, folded everything nicely, regrouped everything, etc. My drawers all close now. Small victories. Around 6 I made dinner. Chicken and mushroom crepes. Watched a little tv, played some video games, went to bed.
Tonight after class I am heading downtown. Having dinner with a friend. REALLY looking forward to this. Not only because I get out of the house for more than just the grocery store but also because I get to hang out with him. Contact with another human in person. Odd.
Tomorrow driving up to see a friend near Seattle then Sunday my sister. Who by the way has been really great about keeping on top of the package from Australia. She tracked it down yesterday! Turns out they had the wrong address. It's getting reshipped, hopefully expedited and with a tracking number this time. Cross your fingers.
Paid bills this morning and sent money to B. She is getting a new tattoo monday and today they are doing family pictures with a photographer. She needed to have some cash on hand for that.
Time to get ready and make up some lost time.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Y8 D21
I slept wonderfully last night. Like solid deep REM sleep. I woke up a couple of times but I am feeling rested which is the whole point of sleep. I did have an interesting dream. I was at a restaurant/general store which was supposed to be owned by Garrison Keillor - A Prairie Home Companion if you don't know the name - and I was having trouble getting out of there. I couldn't find my wallet, the line was too long, the door was locked. All these issues to get out of the place. Symbolism. Yay. I have no bloody clue what any of it means, but I am sure there's some symbolism somewhere in all that.
Taught day 2 of my class. Went okay. I was a little off in the morning and made a couple of mistakes. I was just not 100% focused on what I was doing and made some dumb little errors. I recovered by the afternoon, but it wasn't my best performance. Luckily I have a new class today and tomorrow. Joy.
After class I passed out on the couch for about an hour. Much needed. It's raining here again which I don't mind. It's also cold which is nice too. But I had the windows open and the sound of the rain lulled me to sleep. When I woke up I went and took stock of the dinner situation. Headed to the store for some produce and made smoked salmon crepes for dinner. They were quite tasty. While I was out I talked to the kid about B's car. I will be sending her all the paperwork today to put it in her name. In a week or so it will be out of my name and out of my hair. One less thing to worry about.
Speaking of worrying about things, my desire to get things done and my anxiety over not doing them led me to write up a daily planner. I now have a general idea of what needs to be done each day while B is gone. My work schedule for next week is in a weird flux state. I was supposed to do midnight to 8 classes two days but those have been canceled and instead I am doing night classes for 3 days. Don't have firm times or days yet though. Still, it's throwing me for a loop. At least now I can check things off.
Time to get ready for class and pay some bills. Whee.
Taught day 2 of my class. Went okay. I was a little off in the morning and made a couple of mistakes. I was just not 100% focused on what I was doing and made some dumb little errors. I recovered by the afternoon, but it wasn't my best performance. Luckily I have a new class today and tomorrow. Joy.
After class I passed out on the couch for about an hour. Much needed. It's raining here again which I don't mind. It's also cold which is nice too. But I had the windows open and the sound of the rain lulled me to sleep. When I woke up I went and took stock of the dinner situation. Headed to the store for some produce and made smoked salmon crepes for dinner. They were quite tasty. While I was out I talked to the kid about B's car. I will be sending her all the paperwork today to put it in her name. In a week or so it will be out of my name and out of my hair. One less thing to worry about.
Speaking of worrying about things, my desire to get things done and my anxiety over not doing them led me to write up a daily planner. I now have a general idea of what needs to be done each day while B is gone. My work schedule for next week is in a weird flux state. I was supposed to do midnight to 8 classes two days but those have been canceled and instead I am doing night classes for 3 days. Don't have firm times or days yet though. Still, it's throwing me for a loop. At least now I can check things off.
Time to get ready for class and pay some bills. Whee.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Y8 D20
I am so very tired. I didn't go to bed late, around 10, but I am still feeling very sleepy. I think it's because I was up for 20 hours yesterday. I got up at 2 to take B to the airport, we left here at about 3:15. I dropped her off at around 3:45, then was back home at 4:15. My normal wakeup time. She has safely made it to MI for two weeks. I have a full week of classes and wasn't able to go back to bed unfortunately. Taught day one of my class (day two today) and I didn't want to nap because I knew it would throw me off for the rest of the night. Instead I went to the store for some groceries.
I also went and looked again at the new townhomes being built by us. The one we're interested in is 3 bed 3 1/2 bath. Total square footage is about 1550. More than enough for us. Heck the first house I owned was only 1430 and it was enough room. The building site we want wouldn't be started until about September and ready for move in around January. That actually is not a problem for us. Without any fancy upgrades it will be about $320. But their lenders aren't doing 100% loans. Which means we need a down. The only upside is because I haven't owned a house in so long I actually qualify for an FHA loan. That means we would only have to put 3.5% down. It's about 12-14k when you add in closing costs and moving costs. I still worry that even if we come up with that, I wouldn't get approved for the loan because of my credit history. It's a bit of a dream, but let me dream, okay? I am just so tired of renting when I know a mortgage wouldn't be that much more. Sucks.
I heard from my sister and there may be some progress on the package situation in Australia. Hopefully I will know more in the next day or two. We shall see.
Watched some tv and had a salad for dinner. Not going to clean or do anything around the house for a while. No use. I have plenty of time before B gets home to clean. I will do it next weekend. I promised her I would clean the carpets while she is gone but that isn't happening until next week at the earliest.
Now to shower and do day two. Today might be a nap kind of day. We shall see.
I also went and looked again at the new townhomes being built by us. The one we're interested in is 3 bed 3 1/2 bath. Total square footage is about 1550. More than enough for us. Heck the first house I owned was only 1430 and it was enough room. The building site we want wouldn't be started until about September and ready for move in around January. That actually is not a problem for us. Without any fancy upgrades it will be about $320. But their lenders aren't doing 100% loans. Which means we need a down. The only upside is because I haven't owned a house in so long I actually qualify for an FHA loan. That means we would only have to put 3.5% down. It's about 12-14k when you add in closing costs and moving costs. I still worry that even if we come up with that, I wouldn't get approved for the loan because of my credit history. It's a bit of a dream, but let me dream, okay? I am just so tired of renting when I know a mortgage wouldn't be that much more. Sucks.
I heard from my sister and there may be some progress on the package situation in Australia. Hopefully I will know more in the next day or two. We shall see.
Watched some tv and had a salad for dinner. Not going to clean or do anything around the house for a while. No use. I have plenty of time before B gets home to clean. I will do it next weekend. I promised her I would clean the carpets while she is gone but that isn't happening until next week at the earliest.
Now to shower and do day two. Today might be a nap kind of day. We shall see.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Y8 D19
Just time for a quick recap of the day. Now I sound like John Oliver. Who by the way did the only meaningful tribute to the shit from Sunday. Bless him for being around.
Did a whole lot of nothing yesterday. Sat through a 90 minute company presentation. Yawn. Got stuff prepped for this week's classes. Went to Costco to get some food for the week and snacks for B. Helped B pack. Went to FedEx to get something printed in color. B is getting a new tattoo while in MI and we are out of ink. She needed a GOOD clean copy. For .70 I figured fuck it.
It was mostly about errands and organizing yesterday. Leaving for the airport in less than an hour then I get to come back and teach. Four days. Two weeks by myself. I am going on a road trip this weekend as well as dinner with a friend friday. It will go by quickly I have no doubt.
Nothing else urgent. I am doing better. Less depressed. Never "not" depressed mind you, just varying degrees. Today so far is a good day.
Did a whole lot of nothing yesterday. Sat through a 90 minute company presentation. Yawn. Got stuff prepped for this week's classes. Went to Costco to get some food for the week and snacks for B. Helped B pack. Went to FedEx to get something printed in color. B is getting a new tattoo while in MI and we are out of ink. She needed a GOOD clean copy. For .70 I figured fuck it.
It was mostly about errands and organizing yesterday. Leaving for the airport in less than an hour then I get to come back and teach. Four days. Two weeks by myself. I am going on a road trip this weekend as well as dinner with a friend friday. It will go by quickly I have no doubt.
Nothing else urgent. I am doing better. Less depressed. Never "not" depressed mind you, just varying degrees. Today so far is a good day.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Y8 D18
Happy Kraken Appreciation Day! That's right, June 13th where you watch Clash of the Titans, eat Chinese food, and drink Kraken rum. That stupid made up day my friend created while drunk a few years back is on us once again!
On a serious note, fuck the asshole in FL. This is why I fucking hate FL. Suck a fuck you idiot. Tired of this world and the people in it.
Did all the laundry yesterday, cleaned the house, B packed, went to the store for things for her trip, picked up some stuff for dinner, and basically got shit done. Finished working in my closet, organized the garage. It was a productive busy day.
We got a lot done but we still managed some downtime. B watched an old movie, I updated our library with every James Bond movie including the rarely discussed 1964 Casino Royale and the one George Lazenby movie.
We watched Last Week Tonight which did a beautiful tribute to the bullshit in Florida. We watched Preacher. Neither of us is sure we like the show because we can't tell where it's going. We like the actors, we like the feel, but the plot is all over the place. I am hoping they bring it together soon. Make it a little more cohesive.
Need to check B in for her flight in 45 minutes. I am ready.
I did have to file a police complaint on our 'neighbors'. I use the term loosely as they are technically in the houses across the street. Their yard was a fucking jungle and they finally got around to taking care of it this weekend. It took two full days. They were still out there with leaf blowers at 9:49pm. No. I submitted an online complaint. It was much quieter after that. I am glad to know the police here take shit seriously.
No class today but final preps will keep me busy. Flight check-in, costco, fedex to print a document, a webinar at noon. It will be a full day. Bed around 9 tonight as we will be up to at 2 to head to the airport.
RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
On a serious note, fuck the asshole in FL. This is why I fucking hate FL. Suck a fuck you idiot. Tired of this world and the people in it.
Did all the laundry yesterday, cleaned the house, B packed, went to the store for things for her trip, picked up some stuff for dinner, and basically got shit done. Finished working in my closet, organized the garage. It was a productive busy day.
We got a lot done but we still managed some downtime. B watched an old movie, I updated our library with every James Bond movie including the rarely discussed 1964 Casino Royale and the one George Lazenby movie.
We watched Last Week Tonight which did a beautiful tribute to the bullshit in Florida. We watched Preacher. Neither of us is sure we like the show because we can't tell where it's going. We like the actors, we like the feel, but the plot is all over the place. I am hoping they bring it together soon. Make it a little more cohesive.
Need to check B in for her flight in 45 minutes. I am ready.
I did have to file a police complaint on our 'neighbors'. I use the term loosely as they are technically in the houses across the street. Their yard was a fucking jungle and they finally got around to taking care of it this weekend. It took two full days. They were still out there with leaf blowers at 9:49pm. No. I submitted an online complaint. It was much quieter after that. I am glad to know the police here take shit seriously.
No class today but final preps will keep me busy. Flight check-in, costco, fedex to print a document, a webinar at noon. It will be a full day. Bed around 9 tonight as we will be up to at 2 to head to the airport.
RELEASE THE KRAKEN!
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Y8 D17
Yesterday started off scary. I was sitting in here doing my morning stuff when screams came from the bedroom. Like serious screams. I ran to the bedroom to find B awake and shaking. Nightmare. A really bad one. That'll get you wide awake at 5am let me tell you. She finally calmed down and fell back to sleep around 7.
Teaching a saturday class is a pain in the ass. It throws you off and you get very confused as to what day of the week it is. The class itself went okay. I had four students total but 2 of them were out of their league. They floundered a bit. One actually gave up and watched instead of trying to do the demos. He was just too overwhelmed. Why did you sign up for this buddy?
Finished class at 3 and collapsed for an hour. Got up and finished working on the closet in the office. B finally started getting her stuff together for her trip. Her anxiety gets so high on the thought of flying and traveling that having her stuff packed too soon makes it worse. She has been stalling on putting away clothes and getting her suitcase ready. She finally started in at 9:30 last night. She's not quite done as we need to do laundry this morning. She leaves in roughly 48 hours, and will be at the airport in about 45.
We had a potpie she made for dinner. Damn good. Like really good. Like store bought good. I also decided on a place for my buddy and I to go next Friday. They have rabbit two ways. I must have that. I am going to take the train in a little early, walk around, and then have a nice dinner.
Played some video games. Some of these games from the 'olden days' are still immensely fun even if the graphics are outdated. Went to bed around 11. Feeling a little better but not great. I will get there.
Teaching a saturday class is a pain in the ass. It throws you off and you get very confused as to what day of the week it is. The class itself went okay. I had four students total but 2 of them were out of their league. They floundered a bit. One actually gave up and watched instead of trying to do the demos. He was just too overwhelmed. Why did you sign up for this buddy?
Finished class at 3 and collapsed for an hour. Got up and finished working on the closet in the office. B finally started getting her stuff together for her trip. Her anxiety gets so high on the thought of flying and traveling that having her stuff packed too soon makes it worse. She has been stalling on putting away clothes and getting her suitcase ready. She finally started in at 9:30 last night. She's not quite done as we need to do laundry this morning. She leaves in roughly 48 hours, and will be at the airport in about 45.
We had a potpie she made for dinner. Damn good. Like really good. Like store bought good. I also decided on a place for my buddy and I to go next Friday. They have rabbit two ways. I must have that. I am going to take the train in a little early, walk around, and then have a nice dinner.
Played some video games. Some of these games from the 'olden days' are still immensely fun even if the graphics are outdated. Went to bed around 11. Feeling a little better but not great. I will get there.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Y8 D16
I don't know. Stuff. Things.
I got a lot accomplished in the office yesterday. I decided since I had the day off to clean out my closet and reorganize it. I threw out empty boxes (after cutting off serial numbers), bought some bins at Target and put away winter clothes, put away stuff that was floating around, went through old posters, and brought some stuff down to the garage. Now I can move my clothes from the other closet to here.
We also went and looked at some townhomes near us. They're brand new and in the development stage. 3 bedroom with a nook, 2 1/2 bath. Three story, single car garage. $280. I just need the fucking down. I am going to go talk to them next week and see if their lenders will do a 100% loan. If not, oh well. B talked about asking her grandparents but they would probably only be able to get us $10. We would probably need closer to $20.
Fuck.
Nothing fucking matters.
I am supposed to teach a class in 2 hours and I have no server. I may have to cancel class. Already losing my fucking saturday and now I get to tell people oops. Fuck this.
Next week I have a two day and five of my students are internal. Whee. Worse people since they expect special treatment.
I better get my server soon.
I am .... I don't know. I am something. Had a bad dream too. Lots of fun. Who is making noise outside at 4:47am? WTF? Go away.
Everyone, go away. Oh wait, they already did. You can have it all. My empire of dirt.
I got a lot accomplished in the office yesterday. I decided since I had the day off to clean out my closet and reorganize it. I threw out empty boxes (after cutting off serial numbers), bought some bins at Target and put away winter clothes, put away stuff that was floating around, went through old posters, and brought some stuff down to the garage. Now I can move my clothes from the other closet to here.
We also went and looked at some townhomes near us. They're brand new and in the development stage. 3 bedroom with a nook, 2 1/2 bath. Three story, single car garage. $280. I just need the fucking down. I am going to go talk to them next week and see if their lenders will do a 100% loan. If not, oh well. B talked about asking her grandparents but they would probably only be able to get us $10. We would probably need closer to $20.
Fuck.
Nothing fucking matters.
I am supposed to teach a class in 2 hours and I have no server. I may have to cancel class. Already losing my fucking saturday and now I get to tell people oops. Fuck this.
Next week I have a two day and five of my students are internal. Whee. Worse people since they expect special treatment.
I better get my server soon.
I am .... I don't know. I am something. Had a bad dream too. Lots of fun. Who is making noise outside at 4:47am? WTF? Go away.
Everyone, go away. Oh wait, they already did. You can have it all. My empire of dirt.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Y8 D15
Day 3 complete. Get a day off today since I have a saturday class tomorrow. I have a sinus headache this morning. I need a physical. Figure out what's wrong with me. So many.
Went to the store for frames for our HP stuff that came from London.
B has been binge watching Empire. I spent $20 on six games from GOG. They are having a huge summer sale. Got Icewind Dale, Baldur's Gate, Planescape, Evoland 2, Populous, and one more I can't remember. Classics. For $4 roughly each it was worth it. They will play on anything basically.
Three more days until B leaves. No wait, four.
Got toilet paper. Big excursion out in the morning before class.
Going to try and work on the motorcycle this morning. Get it registered here in OR finally. I need to sell it. Buy B a car. My keyboard is dirty. Need to clean it.
Head hurts. Body aches.
Tired.
Very tired of so many.
Went to the store for frames for our HP stuff that came from London.
B has been binge watching Empire. I spent $20 on six games from GOG. They are having a huge summer sale. Got Icewind Dale, Baldur's Gate, Planescape, Evoland 2, Populous, and one more I can't remember. Classics. For $4 roughly each it was worth it. They will play on anything basically.
Three more days until B leaves. No wait, four.
Got toilet paper. Big excursion out in the morning before class.
Going to try and work on the motorcycle this morning. Get it registered here in OR finally. I need to sell it. Buy B a car. My keyboard is dirty. Need to clean it.
Head hurts. Body aches.
Tired.
Very tired of so many.
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Y8 D14
Watched a funny show yesterday. Made it through the first season - I'm Alan Partridge. British show from the 90s. I do love British humour (see what I did there?) over American comedy. I was laughing so hard in the morning while I was watching it I was afraid I would wake B up. That was the highlight of my day. Watching six episodes of a BBC show.
Got through day 2 of my class. The weather has finally turned and I wasn't dying at least. I got some feedback from my Monday class which was annoying and interesting at the same time. None of them wanted to be there. They were all forced to take a class which was below their skills. They were there because they are going to have to support other users. As a result, I was "too slow" and "paced it out poorly". Yeah, no. I gave my version of the story back to my boss who immediately understood and took my side. It is nice to have a boss who has your back.
We had something for dinner. Seriously I don't remember. Wait... oh yeah, pasta with shrimp. I knew it too was boring like my life.
Whatever.
Got through day 2 of my class. The weather has finally turned and I wasn't dying at least. I got some feedback from my Monday class which was annoying and interesting at the same time. None of them wanted to be there. They were all forced to take a class which was below their skills. They were there because they are going to have to support other users. As a result, I was "too slow" and "paced it out poorly". Yeah, no. I gave my version of the story back to my boss who immediately understood and took my side. It is nice to have a boss who has your back.
We had something for dinner. Seriously I don't remember. Wait... oh yeah, pasta with shrimp. I knew it too was boring like my life.
Whatever.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Y8 D13
I know all I have done the last few days is complaining about the weather, but it's been hot dammit. It's supposed to break today with rain coming in the next couple of days. Very much looking forward to the change. I don't know if I could take much more.
Taught day 1 of 3 yesterday. Class went okay. Finished up around 2:30. 5 students, 4 of whom get it. One is having a little trouble but I think she will be okay in the end. I got an email from my boss in the afternoon yesterday. It was about the Christmas party in December and how everyone really wants us to attend this year. Whatever. I did the math and the amount of time spent traveling and away from home is about 30 hours for a 4 hour party. To spend time with a bunch of people I don't really know or care that much about. Not really selling it for me. We might go, but odds are, no thanks.
After class we went and ran an errand at the store and grabbed some food while we were out. It rained for three seconds which was weird. B wasn't feeling well and ended up falling asleep from about 7-9. God only knows what time she went to bed as a result. I played some Sims. Sims - the game you either marathon for a week or don't touch for 6 months. Went to bed around 10.
Other news - still no update on our friend's package in Australia. Got a D23 magazine in the mail showing Shanghai Disney. We need to go. It's beautiful. Tried a new show called Outcast. Meh. Another possession demon show based on a comic book. Two more days of class then a day off then a Saturday class. B leaves in less than a week and then it will be oddly quiet for two weeks here. She had some drama on that front. Turns out her grandfather went in for gallbladder surgery yesterday. Her grandmother thought she told her, but oops. As a result, B is debating staying at their house because she doesn't want to be in the way. But if she spends the whole time with her mother, somebody is going to die. She is probably going to bounce around. We'll see how that works out.
That's about it for now dear readers. Just wait until the excitement of 2 weeks alone. Yeah right.
Taught day 1 of 3 yesterday. Class went okay. Finished up around 2:30. 5 students, 4 of whom get it. One is having a little trouble but I think she will be okay in the end. I got an email from my boss in the afternoon yesterday. It was about the Christmas party in December and how everyone really wants us to attend this year. Whatever. I did the math and the amount of time spent traveling and away from home is about 30 hours for a 4 hour party. To spend time with a bunch of people I don't really know or care that much about. Not really selling it for me. We might go, but odds are, no thanks.
After class we went and ran an errand at the store and grabbed some food while we were out. It rained for three seconds which was weird. B wasn't feeling well and ended up falling asleep from about 7-9. God only knows what time she went to bed as a result. I played some Sims. Sims - the game you either marathon for a week or don't touch for 6 months. Went to bed around 10.
Other news - still no update on our friend's package in Australia. Got a D23 magazine in the mail showing Shanghai Disney. We need to go. It's beautiful. Tried a new show called Outcast. Meh. Another possession demon show based on a comic book. Two more days of class then a day off then a Saturday class. B leaves in less than a week and then it will be oddly quiet for two weeks here. She had some drama on that front. Turns out her grandfather went in for gallbladder surgery yesterday. Her grandmother thought she told her, but oops. As a result, B is debating staying at their house because she doesn't want to be in the way. But if she spends the whole time with her mother, somebody is going to die. She is probably going to bounce around. We'll see how that works out.
That's about it for now dear readers. Just wait until the excitement of 2 weeks alone. Yeah right.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Y8 D12
Still way too hot here. Got up to 95 again yesterday. Today should be the last day of it at 92. Cross your fingers. I don't know if I can take another day of this weather. It's too much. This building is so new you'd think they would have put AC in them but nope. We have to suffer. I had two fans running during class and the best I could get this room was 85. The AC unit in the bedroom has been chugging along but the one in the front room is starting to wheeze. It wasn't built to be run 18 hours a day at full speed. It's better than nothing but it's not been easy here.
Taught my class from 5 until about 12:40. That was nice. I don't mind the early start times. Means I am done that much sooner. Made chicken for dinner. Watched a new show - Cleverman. It was interesting. Interesting enough that I will watch a second episode at least. Australian and way too many characters, but I was able to follow it mostly.
Played some video games and went to bed around 10. Not much else going on because not much else to do when it's this hot. I feel like I am living in Bakersfield again. At least I am not drinking these days otherwise I would be sitting somewhere tossing back beers trying to keep cool. When did I last have a drink? Seriously, I don't remember. A month? Two months?
Our stuff arrived from London today. Stuff from the Harry Potter shop. I was surprised at how quickly it got here. 4.5 days. I've had things from OH take longer. Very impressive work DHL International.
Three day class this week. Then I get Friday off and have a Saturday class. Whee.
Taught my class from 5 until about 12:40. That was nice. I don't mind the early start times. Means I am done that much sooner. Made chicken for dinner. Watched a new show - Cleverman. It was interesting. Interesting enough that I will watch a second episode at least. Australian and way too many characters, but I was able to follow it mostly.
Played some video games and went to bed around 10. Not much else going on because not much else to do when it's this hot. I feel like I am living in Bakersfield again. At least I am not drinking these days otherwise I would be sitting somewhere tossing back beers trying to keep cool. When did I last have a drink? Seriously, I don't remember. A month? Two months?
Our stuff arrived from London today. Stuff from the Harry Potter shop. I was surprised at how quickly it got here. 4.5 days. I've had things from OH take longer. Very impressive work DHL International.
Three day class this week. Then I get Friday off and have a Saturday class. Whee.
Monday, June 6, 2016
Y8 D11
It's bad here. Like really bad. Like old people dying bad. At one point it reached 105 with a feel of 125. Other than the bedroom, we were sweating to death all day. The office wouldn't drop below 90 no matter what I did. It's currently reading 77 in here and I have to work in here all day. Doing a 5-1 class today. The worst of today's heat will be around 3, but I don't know if I can make it until then. This is the kind of heat that kills computers.
We didn't do much of anything except try to stay cool yesterday. It's all we could do. I was walking around with washcloths on my head at one point.
I did make corned beef for dinner. That was okay. We also picked up a couple of new nightstands. They were on sale pretty drastically marked down and now we have plain wood matching nightstands. We have wanted plain wood so B can paint them. Trying to put those together in the heat was crazy. We both were getting hot and cranky as we each took one.
I did have a friend offer me a window unit he can't use. I am going to drive up to him (about 3 hours) while B is gone. See my sister too while I am up there in WA. But that's not until the 18th. Need to make it 12 more days. Good luck with that.
Watched a little TV; Last Week Tonight was exceptional as always. Went to bed around 10.
Not much else to report.
We didn't do much of anything except try to stay cool yesterday. It's all we could do. I was walking around with washcloths on my head at one point.
I did make corned beef for dinner. That was okay. We also picked up a couple of new nightstands. They were on sale pretty drastically marked down and now we have plain wood matching nightstands. We have wanted plain wood so B can paint them. Trying to put those together in the heat was crazy. We both were getting hot and cranky as we each took one.
I did have a friend offer me a window unit he can't use. I am going to drive up to him (about 3 hours) while B is gone. See my sister too while I am up there in WA. But that's not until the 18th. Need to make it 12 more days. Good luck with that.
Watched a little TV; Last Week Tonight was exceptional as always. Went to bed around 10.
Not much else to report.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Y8 D10
It is so fucking hot in here already. It went over 100 yesterday and it's supposed to be a couple degrees hotter today. I caved in the morning and spent $300 on a second AC unit for the bedroom. Smartest decision ever. The bedroom right now is wonderful. We turned off the one in the living room when we went to bed last night and man are we paying for it. The front room is about 80 degrees right now. I have the fans all on but in a little while I am closing everything and turning the AC unit back on. It's supposed to start going down tomorrow and get back into the 70s this week. We just have to make it through the next couple of days.
Other than going out in the morning for the AC unit, we didn't leave the house yesterday. Stayed in and read, played video games, cleaned a little. Made shrimp and steak stir fry for dinner. Not much to discuss because not much went on.
Paid some bills. Organized the bedroom to fit the new AC unit. Did a whole lot of nothing. Today is round 2 of that.
I am too hot. Dying.
Other than going out in the morning for the AC unit, we didn't leave the house yesterday. Stayed in and read, played video games, cleaned a little. Made shrimp and steak stir fry for dinner. Not much to discuss because not much went on.
Paid some bills. Organized the bedroom to fit the new AC unit. Did a whole lot of nothing. Today is round 2 of that.
I am too hot. Dying.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Y8 D9
The heat has arrived. It was so bad I found B asleep on the couch just now. I managed to get her into the bedroom but I honestly don't know if that was a good idea. She might have been better off staying on the couch. It's only going to get worse before the weekend is over too. We went out last night to the fancy popsicle store and stocked up so we wouldn't have to leave the house today. Unfortunately there's still a couple of things left on our list which I will be going out to get in a little while. Fred Meyer opens at 7 and I will be there when they open. Be back in the house with the AC on by 8 if I do it right.
Taught my class yesterday. Full class. 12 students in total showed up. We got through the material by 2. We need to add a little more to the class. It needs to be a little fuller and go about 30 minutes more. Since it's only a one day class we need to make sure everyone feels they got their money's worth out of it.
Made chicken tikka masala for dinner, went to the popsicle store, watched a little tv, read a little, went to bed around 11. Have a full week next week with classes including a Saturday class. By next weekend I will have made the company $20k already. This has been a good quarter and it better pay off in July. All the travel, all the odd classes. I better see the fruits of my labor. I even had a 5am class next week. Reward time.
That's it. Nothing else going on except heat and hiding in the house.
Taught my class yesterday. Full class. 12 students in total showed up. We got through the material by 2. We need to add a little more to the class. It needs to be a little fuller and go about 30 minutes more. Since it's only a one day class we need to make sure everyone feels they got their money's worth out of it.
Made chicken tikka masala for dinner, went to the popsicle store, watched a little tv, read a little, went to bed around 11. Have a full week next week with classes including a Saturday class. By next weekend I will have made the company $20k already. This has been a good quarter and it better pay off in July. All the travel, all the odd classes. I better see the fruits of my labor. I even had a 5am class next week. Reward time.
That's it. Nothing else going on except heat and hiding in the house.
Friday, June 3, 2016
Y8 D8
It rained in the morning but it was a brief reprieve from the heat which crept back in as the day progressed. I can feel it starting to warm up already and it's just a little past 4:30. This weekend is going to suck ass.
Worked on my class prep in the morning and then played Sims most of the day. Seriously. We ran a couple of errands but otherwise stayed inside most of the day.
Made pork chops for dinner. Watched a little TV. Pissed off at how Archer ended. We will see if they get a season 8 and redeem that ending.
Feel sorry for my buddy and the shit he's going through with his house right now. He was trying to sell it and what should have been a quick thing has turned into a nightmare for him. When B is gone I am taking him out to get away from things. He deserves a break.
Paid some bills. More get paid tonight. That's about it. Still nothing on the package my sister sent B's friend in Australia. Been two weeks with no sign of it. That sucks.
Time for a new class with a whole lot of people. This is a $10,000 day for the company. Got to make it good.
Worked on my class prep in the morning and then played Sims most of the day. Seriously. We ran a couple of errands but otherwise stayed inside most of the day.
Made pork chops for dinner. Watched a little TV. Pissed off at how Archer ended. We will see if they get a season 8 and redeem that ending.
Feel sorry for my buddy and the shit he's going through with his house right now. He was trying to sell it and what should have been a quick thing has turned into a nightmare for him. When B is gone I am taking him out to get away from things. He deserves a break.
Paid some bills. More get paid tonight. That's about it. Still nothing on the package my sister sent B's friend in Australia. Been two weeks with no sign of it. That sucks.
Time for a new class with a whole lot of people. This is a $10,000 day for the company. Got to make it good.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
Y8 D7
I am definitely back on track with my time clock. I woke up at 4:45 today. Heck, that's later than I normally sleep. Only because I don't need an alarm this week until tomorrow. Enjoy the sleep while I can. Next week is a screwy week with a 5am class, a Saturday class, and a normal one stuck in between. It's going to be a weird week. But for right now, let's focus on yesterday.
The highlight of yesterday was dinner. We had to go to the mall to pick up a ring for B and it wasn't going to be ready until after 7. We decided to have dinner near the mall and went to a new place. German food. Oh man was it good. We spatzle, schnitzel, pretzels, and strudel for dessert. Would definitely go there again.
It was hot yesterday again. And it's only going to get worse this weekend. 100+ on the weekend. We were at Costco picking up a prescription for B and bought a window fan. It's not great, but it does the trick. It helped last night in the bedroom for sure. I am torn between going back and buying a second AC unit though. One for the front room, one for the bedroom. I don't know. It's $400 but we're only going to use it for a short time. Then it will sit the rest of the year. Decisions.
Practiced my class, worked with a PM on more private training for the group in London. Yes, they liked me so much I haven't even been home a week and they want more.
Watched a little TV and then played a little Sims. Sims 3 to be exact. I like it better than 4 and was in the mood for a little nostalgia. Sims - the game you play for a month straight then leave alone for six.
Went to bed around 11. Today I am going to practice my class again and that's about it. Enjoy my last day of freedom.
The highlight of yesterday was dinner. We had to go to the mall to pick up a ring for B and it wasn't going to be ready until after 7. We decided to have dinner near the mall and went to a new place. German food. Oh man was it good. We spatzle, schnitzel, pretzels, and strudel for dessert. Would definitely go there again.
It was hot yesterday again. And it's only going to get worse this weekend. 100+ on the weekend. We were at Costco picking up a prescription for B and bought a window fan. It's not great, but it does the trick. It helped last night in the bedroom for sure. I am torn between going back and buying a second AC unit though. One for the front room, one for the bedroom. I don't know. It's $400 but we're only going to use it for a short time. Then it will sit the rest of the year. Decisions.
Practiced my class, worked with a PM on more private training for the group in London. Yes, they liked me so much I haven't even been home a week and they want more.
Watched a little TV and then played a little Sims. Sims 3 to be exact. I like it better than 4 and was in the mood for a little nostalgia. Sims - the game you play for a month straight then leave alone for six.
Went to bed around 11. Today I am going to practice my class again and that's about it. Enjoy my last day of freedom.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Y8 D6
I think I have my clock back to normal. I woke up at 4:18 which is much more in line with my normal sleep schedule. Only took three days to get back to normal. Got quite a bit of work done yesterday. Ran through the new class I am teaching Friday. It's going to be a good class. I think. The material seems doable, there's nothing I can't handle in terms of demos, and it's pretty straight forward. Took me about 6 hours to run through it which means it should fill an entire day perfectly.
It's hot here right now. Like nasty hot and it's only going to get worse as the weekend approaches. It's supposed to be 100 on Saturday and 102 on Sunday. Fuck that. I moved here for rain and cold. Give me my cold weather dammit. Climate change isn't real my ass.
Didn't do much after class. We needed to go to home depot to get a clamp for our AC unit. Made a pork roast for dinner. Pretty dull day to be honest.
Not much on the agenda today. Oh well.
It's hot here right now. Like nasty hot and it's only going to get worse as the weekend approaches. It's supposed to be 100 on Saturday and 102 on Sunday. Fuck that. I moved here for rain and cold. Give me my cold weather dammit. Climate change isn't real my ass.
Didn't do much after class. We needed to go to home depot to get a clamp for our AC unit. Made a pork roast for dinner. Pretty dull day to be honest.
Not much on the agenda today. Oh well.
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